A number of outstanding and experienced automotive retailers were considered for the important Swiss market. Schmohl will begin selling the McLaren MP4-12C from spring 2011 as part of a European network of an initial 13 retailers. A second Swiss retailer remains under consideration. 1,000 12Cs will be produced in 2011, with a full model range of around 4,000 McLaren high-performance sports cars produced in the UK annually by the middle of the decade. Combined with a relatively small retailer network, these numbers offer exclusivity for customers and profitability for retailers.

Christian Marti, McLaren Automotive’s Regional Director for Europe, said: “The competition to represent McLaren in Europe was incredibly encouraging. As we have seen in all launch markets, the demand to be one of the first McLaren retailers was huge. In total, 500 retailers around the world contacted McLaren, to add to the 100 preferred retailers we initially selected. I am convinced Schmohl will deliver the extremely high levels of service we are promising our customers.”

McLaren on-tour in Europe: Zurich takes a leading role

Over 2,500 customers globally have expressed a serious intention to buy a 12C with a number of those customers in the key market of Switzerland. Switzerlandwill be an important benchmark for the 12C, recognising that the country has many sophisticated car enthusiasts, as well as a passion for precision engineering and understated, timeless design. With its Formula 1 pedigree, and technological expertise, McLaren is therefore well-placed to appeal to Swiss customers.

Mathias Hascher, Schmohl AG said: “The arrival of the McLaren MP4-12C in the Schmohl showroom is a significant moment for our business. We believe that the 12C provides the ultimate in design, technology and high-performance and these qualities combined with our reputation for the finest service will be the perfect combination.”

Prices for the 12C will be confirmed at a later date, but the car will sit in the ‘core’ sports car market as defined by McLaren of cars between CHF250,000 and CHF300,000 before taxes. McLaren Automotive confirmed the majority of its European partners in the UK, German, French, Belgian and Italian markets.

The home market will be represented by Rybrook in Birmingham, Jardine Motors Group in London and Sytner in Manchester. These experienced UK retailers will join a global network of 35 partners in 2011, featuring some of Europe’s most successful premium-brand retailers:

Two further retailers for Germany and a Spanish partner will complete the initial European network and will be confirmed in the coming weeks along with McLaren Automotive’s North American, Middle Eastern and South African partners. The company’s Asia Pacific network will be announced later in the year.

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